Definition of Melanocyte-stimulating hormone

1. Noun. (protein) Any of a class of peptide hormones released by the pituitary gland that are involved in regulating the production of melanin. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Medical Definition of Melanocyte-stimulating hormone

1. A releasing hormone produced in the mammalian hypophysis and related structures in lower vertebrates. Made up of _ MSH (1665D), the same as amino acids 1-13 of ACTH and _ MSH (18 amino acids, 22 in humans). Causes darkening of the skin by expansion of the melanophores but its role in mammals is unclear.
Synonym: melanotropin.
Acronym: MSH
(22 Sep 2002)

2.A Lifelong Passion: Nicholas and Alexandra: Their Own Story by Andrei Maylunas (2005)"... stimulates alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone release from frog pituitary
melanotrophs through activation of ..."

3.Science by American Association for the Advancement of Science (1883)"These are (i) the decline in the content of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)
in rat pituitaries which occurs soon after animals receive injections of ..."